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The power to choose between different energy options One crucial question for the construction of a sustainable energy economy is how societies choose a suitable energy technology strategy from among the array of different options. In light of the convincing number of studies we suggest that even though energy policy is under constant pressure to change, the fundamental nature of national energy policy seems to be relatively stable. There are, of course, developments, collectively binding agreements, events and crises which force governments and other actors to reconsider their current policies, but in general this policy sector is fairly stable in comparison with other sectors.

Meritet (2007) concludes that France must consider how it can be part of the European process while simultaneously protecting its national interests. It seems obvious that nuclear power is an answer to the country’s energy needs, the challenges of climate change and fears of energy supply disruption, even though sceptics counter that it is too costly and dangerous to be Tapio Litmanen 21 viable. The political elite have to face the challenge of the liberalization of energy markets within the context of domestic public intervention policy.

The determining forces are, for instance, those historically agglomerated social organizations, material infrastructures and mental schemes. Recent studies have revealed how solid the structures of the energy sector are and how historical choices have almost petrified the trajectory of energy sector development. To bring some fundamental changes into the energy sector is a laborious task, which requires strong governance, united policy advocacy coalitions and purposeful lobbying instead of wishful thinking and trusting to the benevolence of the main actors.